Provolone Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Provolone Cheese?

Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.

What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.

What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

• Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
• Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
• Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.

Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Provolone Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Is Provolone Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Provolone Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

What is Provolone Cheese made of?

Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.

What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?

Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.